UFC Adds China Broadcast Deal

The UFC will air events live and in local language in China for the first time thanks to a new deal with PPTV.

The promotion announced the partnership recently, as it will allow fans in China to access events as they happen and localize content in social media and digital marketing environments.

Below is the complete release:

With the exponential growth of mixed martial arts (MMA) in Asia, a landmark announcement was made today by UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, displaying their continued commitment to the region.

The UFC has agreed to a significant new partnership with a leading digital sports platform in China, PPTV. The deal will allow Chinese UFC fans to access all UFC events live and in local language in China for the first time, this localized content will be used to support UFC promotions in the social media and digital marketing environment. The UFC has grown its audience engagement across social media channels to the same levels as English Premier League football teams in the region. The growing number of MMA and UFC fans in China will have unprecedented access to all of the passion, excitement and top quality athletes that are the trademark of all UFC events.

Ken Berger, EVP and General Manager UFC Asia, said: “This landmark deal displays the rapid growth and demand for premium MMA content in China. There is a real upward trend of MMA taking hold in the region with increased engagement amongst fans and more and more athletes dedicating their lives to becoming the best they can be. The UFC recognizes that it really is only a matter of time before we start seeing champions emerge from China. PPTV have always been a valued supporter of the UFC, we couldn’t be happier to grow our partnership with them this year.”

PPTV Sports General Manger Li Dong says, “We hope PPTV will become the best partner of UFC; PPTV is going to be the home of UFC in China.”

China is emerging as a significant breeding ground for talented MMA athletes who are increasingly taking their place on the world’s MMA stage. With 14 Chinese fighters within the UFC and an actively engaged fan base established in the country, the partnership will build upon the increasing demand for UFC content in this market, strengthening the substantial growth seen within Asia over the last 12 months.